From Miss Universe to Fitness and Bodybuilding: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Overcoming Stereotypes

Kimberley Ann Estrop-Leggett, the former Miss Universe Malaysia, has ventured into the world of fitness and bodybuilding, a path that has been far from the glamorous life of a beauty queen. While other beauty queens pursued careers in entertainment, Leggett decided to pursue her passion for fitness after completing a degree in nutrition.

A Passion for Fitness

Leggett’s journey into fitness was not just about achieving a physical goal, but also about self-discovery. As a chubby kid, she struggled with body image issues, and her experience as Miss Universe was a challenge for her in many ways.

“For me, to achieve that physique that I had always admired of other people, to achieve that for myself was such a groundbreaking moment for me. I then fell in love with the process, which inspired me to help other people achieve that too,” she said in an exclusive interview with theSun.

Debunking Stereotypes

However, her decision to pursue fitness and bodybuilding was met with surprise from fans who were used to seeing her as a beauty queen. They were shocked to see her muscular physique, which was a far cry from the traditional beauty pageant ideal.

“Fans of beauty pageants are more about the skinny model look. So, for them, it was a shock factor as there is a mentality that muscular is not feminine. So, that is a myth I need to dispel because it is not the case,” she said.

Healthier Outcomes

Now, Leggett has never felt more fulfilled and healthier. She has a better relationship with food and her body, and has learned to love and respect her physique.

“I was always the person that was sitting on the side and not being in the pool during parties. I did not want to be in swimwear. I also did not have a good relationship with food. I used to binge at home and was a closet eater behind the scenes,” she confessed.

Even during her pageant days, she succumbed to various unhealthy methods to reach her desired look, which took a toll on her health.

“Miss Universe helped me to achieve a goal I wanted. But I would say it was not necessarily done in a way that is healthy, nor one that I would recommend. I did it the wrong way. I under-ate and overdid the exercises, leading me to a place that was unhealthy,” she said.

Fortunately, she has equipped herself with a holistic and healthier outlook on her physique.

Current Endeavors

Leggett has been committed to educating her clients on healthier approaches to reaching their fitness goals. Instead of depriving themselves of food, she advocates for her clients to adopt a combination of healthy habits.

From eating a well-proportioned diet to sleeping and exercising regularly, Leggett is passionate about curating a robust and sustainable plan for her clients.

Aside from coaching, she has kept herself busy with her bodybuilding aspirations, making her professional debut recently at a competition in Australia.

“I was placed in the top five. I was hoping for a top three or a win. I hope to achieve that at some point,” she said.

Life Outside Fitness

Her resolutions this year include activities besides fitness as well. Considering the amount of time she spends in the gym, she aims to explore her identity outside fitness.

“I hope to enjoy some parts of life outside competing and bodybuilding. The thing with bodybuilding, it takes away months of your life when you are dedicated to the sole goal,” she said.

“You do not think and do anything else. So, I hope to live in the moment a little bit, go on holidays and enjoy other parts of life,” she added.

Conclusion

Kimberley Ann Estrop-Leggett’s journey from Miss Universe to fitness and bodybuilding is a testament to her determination and passion for self-improvement. Her story debunks the stereotype that muscular is not feminine and highlights the importance of healthy living and self-love.

FAQs

Q: What inspired you to pursue fitness and bodybuilding after being crowned Miss Universe Malaysia?

A: I was always passionate about fitness, and my experience as Miss Universe was a challenge for me in many ways. I wanted to achieve a physical goal for myself and help others do the same.

Q: What is your approach to fitness and bodybuilding?

A: I believe in a holistic and sustainable approach to fitness. I advocate for a combination of healthy habits, including eating a well-proportioned diet, sleeping and exercising regularly, and having a positive body image.

Q: What are your goals in the world of bodybuilding?

A: My end goal is to become a world champion. I hope to achieve that within the next few years.